J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1990 Mar-Apr; 13(3): 144-51.

Posteroanterior versus anteroposterior lumbar spine radiology.

Tsuno MM, Shu GJ.

Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles, CA 90004.

The posteroanterior view of the lumbar spine has important features including radiation protection and image quality; these have been studied by various investigators. Investigators have shown that sensitive tissues receive less radiation dosage in the posteroanterior view of the spine for scoliosis screening and intracranial tomography without altering the image quality. This paper emphasizes the importance of the radiation safety aspect of the posteroanterior view and shows the improvement in shape distortion in the lumbar vertebrae.